China in Africa: The Real Story

A "snow day" here in Washington -- our universities have closed in anticipation, although outside our home, there's nothing but rain and sleet. Still, not complaining about a day of meetings being cancelled and time to read and write.

First, the Zambian government finally closed down the outrageously abusive Collum Coal Mine (this is the privately run mine where at least two Chinese managers have been murdered by their workers, and several Chinese managers have blasted protesting workers with bird shot. A really bad situation).

Also in the discussion: Botswana president Ian Khama complains about the quality of Chinese construction in a major power plant.